Thanks to local support, store owner Emily Wilderman’s business has out grown its current space in Park Ridge. Wilderman has been looking to update and expand her store to include more craft beers on tap, full size chocolate counter of handmade truffles, artisanal cheese, gourmet food items and expand the small plate menu to include pizzettes, flatbreads and appetizers.

“With a larger venue, we can host more tastings, education classes and wine dinners,” remarked Wilderman. “I’m excited, as this will be the first location in the Chicago market embracing the new Tasting Station business model”.

Wilderman wanted to stay close to the Park Ridge area and found a space at 6182 N. Northwest Hwy that could accommodate the new concept. The new space would be 2700 square feet compared to current 1200 square feet in Park Ridge. It’s only 1.7miles from the current storefront in Park Ridge (about a 10-minute drive to Norwood Park). Most likely the relocation will occur after the holidays, early 2019, pending the permitting and licensing in the City of Chicago.

“We are thrilled for Emily’s business expansion and introducing Norwood Park residents to the WineStyles Tasting Station experience,” said Bryan McGinness, CEO of WineStyles Tasting Station. “We believe there is strong growth potential for our franchise concept throughout the Midwest and look forward to more locations.”

Wilderman will continue being an active member of the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce as a Board Director and participate in the community events and support the local businesses.

“We have a great customer base in Park Ridge so I’ll definitely continue to support the community and hope they can follow me down Northwest Highway,” added Wilderman. “I’m also looking forward to being part of the new neighborhood and actively involved in the Edison Park and Norwood Park Chambers.”